"The social and linguistic skills you learn in the language classroom are invaluable."
Major(s) and Certificate(s): Anthropology; Certificate in Japanese Professional Communication
Language(s): Japanese, Hmong
Graduation Year: 2015
What motivated you to study this/these languages?
My interest in Japanese pop culture began in middle school which led me to study Japanese. In high school upon hearing about a fellow classmate’s experience as a foreign exchange student, I decided I would study abroad too in the future. Therefore taking Japanese mainly due to personal interest, but also a strong desire to experience life abroad.
I took Hmong because I wanted to learn how to properly spell and read Hmong as a second-generation Hmong American.
What do you remember about your UW language classes? How were they different from other classes you took?
My language classes in general required much more interaction with my classmates than other classes. This is why most of my friends second to student organizations, were people I met in the language classroom. This made classes collaborative, cooperative, and most of all fun.
How valuable were your out-of-classroom experiences? How did they add to your undergraduate experience/coursework?
Studying abroad brought immense change and perspective to my life during and after the experience. I didn’t know that it would permanently impact me so deeply, but I don’t regret it at all. In fact, I treasure the time deeply. It helped me face my fears of the unknown and learn how to ask for help when needed. It pushed me to grow further and faster than I would have by being back home. It added to my undergraduate experience by providing much-needed personal and emotional growth. I also realized that I wanted to extend my time abroad further upon graduation. Therefore it has also influenced my career choice as well.
What have you done in a professional capacity since graduating from UW-Madison?
I did some office-related work after graduation, but the majority of the time since graduation I have been working as an English instructor in South Korea. I have taught English as a foreign language to public school students in daytime classes and after-school programs. Currently, I’m at a foreign language center in Jeju, Korea teaching students in an afterschool English program.
What are ways, either expected or unexpected, that your language study has benefited you in your career?
Expected ways language studies have served me include the comfort to communicate with limited knowledge of the target language. I am able to use what I do know with more or less miming in a situation where Google translate may not be immediately available. I am able to prioritize communication and avoid drowning in feelings like humility and embarrassment which can easily work against me. I am glad I learned how to put these intrusive feelings aside to maximize communication in whatever limited capacity. It doesn’t always work, but it is without a doubt helpful and useful.
Unexpected ways language studies have served me include the ability to pick up on new words and concepts with ease. While I need time just like anyone else to retain new information, I can say that it comes a little faster to me than to others who have little experience learning a new language. It’s definitely a valuable skill when walking into new environments and having to interact with others who are unlike me.
How have you maintained or improved your language(s) since graduation?
I have continued to consume Japanese pop culture in the form of animation and music. Also since I live in Korea, I often travel to Japan due to its close proximity. However, due to the nature of my work being in Korea, the language-learning skillsets I have learned in Japanese class have mostly transferred to my Korean.
What advice do you have for students who are studying language(s) about how to incorporate their interests and skills into their future goals?
The social and linguistic skills you learn in the language classroom are invaluable. I would say that you need to identify your skills and find which are transferable and most marketable to your target company or industry. In my case, I stressed my experience studying abroad, comfort in communicating with limited knowledge, and genuine interest in other cultures which was transferable and applicable to being an English instructor in Korea. Basically, I could take care of myself and I wanted to interact with my coworkers and students in a meaningful way. If you can pinpoint the beneficial points between your interests and skills, you’ll have a much higher chance of standing out!